HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOS MINUTES 11-17-1999Board of Selectmen,
j Minutes F" l'j a S3
( November 17, 1999
Present: Chairwoman Royle, Clerk Wills, and Selectmen Amoruso, McCarter,
and Robinson
John D'Agostino, Town Manager
1. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM followed by the pledge of
allegiance.
2. Discussion with Treasurer Collector Richard Boucher; Town Accountant
Bea Kearney; Assistant Assessor Shirley MacPhee; and Finance
Committee Chairman Jim Noris RE: Chapter 70 Funds and Articles 14
& 16 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant
Chairwoman Royle stated that the School Committee Chairman, Emil Giordano, is
aware of this evening's discussion and would support funding both Articles 14 & 16
from Free Cash.
Town Manager D'Agostino explained that he was approached by the Finance Team in
attendance this evening at 4pm yesterday and was informed of difficulties with the
calculations for Special Town Meeting warrant articles seeking funding as a result
of the Governor's veto of Chapter 70 funds. Rather than using "raise and
appropriate" as a funding source for Articles 2, 14, and 16, Free Cash will have to be
used. Mr. D'Agostino also stated that the Board would need to consent to set the
tax rate this evening and allowing Articles 2, 14, and 16 to go forward with Free
Cash as the funding mechanism. If the Chapter 70 funds are replenished, the
money can be appropriated.
Mr. Boucher informed the Selectmen that an emergency meeting of the Board may
be required next week to approve and sign the sale of $4 Million in bonds and notes.
Mr. Boucher also stated that tax bills should be mailed out by November 29 or 30.
Finance Committee Chairman Noris stated that a Finance Committee meeting is
planned sometime between now and December 6 to discuss preliminary budget
figures for next year and procedures to be followed during the process. Lastly, Mr.
Noris stated that he agrees with Articles 2, 14, and 16 and that it should not be a
problem.
Selectman Amoruso commented that he would not be inclined to support funding
some of the articles from Free Cash because they are not one -time expenditures.
Selectman Amoruso would like to revisit all of the articles seeking funding to see
how money should be distributed.
3. Questions and Comments
( Tay Barrows and Trish Rolea of the Downtown Business Association announced that
this year's Holiday Stroll would be on Friday, December 3, from 7 -9pm, and the
Holiday Parade on November 28 at 3pm.
Bill Gerber, 362 Central Street, commended the Veterans' Day Parade participants.
Patrice Travis, Perkins Avenue, volunteer coordinator of Mansfield 2000
convention, promoted the event and provided the Selectmen with literature.
4. 8:30 PM Recreation Commission Interviews
Three applicants —Mike Souza, Danielle Fish, and Charlotte Falkner -- interviewed
for one position on the Recreation Commission. Applicants introduced themselves
to the Board, and the Selectmen asked each questions concerning the following:
new ideas, ability to compromise, thoughts on present programs offered by Parks
and Recreation, opinion of a rollerblade and skateboard park, and how they deal
with persons they are in disagreement with.
5. Town Manager Report
• Additional expert evaluation is needed to review Mansfield's water connection
fee policy in relation to other municipalities. A policy will be ready for the
Board's review by January 2000. Chairwoman Royle commented that Board
members would like to be informed of studies prior to Mr. D'Agostino moving
forward with them. Clerk Wills agreed that he would like studies run by the
Selectmen before they are initiated. Selectman Amoroso suggested an
amendment to the scope to include evaluating a fee for companies who have
made a commitment to use recycled water.
Motion: To support the study with an amendment to the scope to include
evaluating a fee for companies who have made a commitment to use
recycled water, not to exceed $5,000.
( Amoruso- Robinson) All in favor. Passes.
• Mr. D'Agostino provided an update on his meeting with the Norton TPC Golf
Course representatives. Mr. D'Agostino asked Camp Dresser and McKee to put
together a scope to analyze the current level of secondary water quality and
how much it would have to be increased to bring it back up to the golf course.
Selectman McCarter commented that he would, at some point, like to start
taking a look at all extensions.
• The Board is in receipt of a November 17, 1999, memorandum regarding
Guidelines for Water Extensions. The DPW Director reviewed the document,
but Mr. D'Agostino would also like the Water Operations Manager to review it.
Chairwoman Royle commented that she feels the Selectmen should know of
every project were an extension is required, i.e. an 100 -lot subdivision. Board
' members requested copies of Professor Mullins Build -Out Analysis.
• Mr. Ditchman reports that his 75 Chouncy Street open air parking facility is in
compliance with the original site plan. The Town is moving forward parallel with
a motion to file for an injunction. The injunction will not be successful, however,
if the parking facility is in compliance with the site plan. The Assistant Building
Inspector will be inspecting the lot again. Mr. UAgostino requested Mr.
Ditchman provide a qualifying statement from his engineer that the lot meets
site plan conditions.
• Mr. UAgostino will be meeting with Town Counsel to develop a notification
procedure for residences encroaching upon the right -of -way of the sewer
interceptor in Norton.
• Selectmen are in receipt of a draft letter to be sent to property owners whose
property is encroaching upon the public way. Comments made by the Selectmen
were as follows, the letter should state 'you are hereby requested, or if you
are unable to remove it, we will do it for you. no reference is made to cutting
or trimming back brush; and the letter does not address private bushes hanging
over onto the public way. Mr. D'Agostino commented if a resident challenges
the Town, the property will be surveyed at the Town's expense. The Selectmen
would like to see the revised letter prior to itgoing out.
• Fifty -seven people attended the last train station meeting. The Town Manager,
Gatra, and the MBTA are intending to move forward with the ENF as part of
the process before getting to the 25% design phase. The 25 percent design
phase will require additional public hearings, and the design will reflect
comments from the last session. There will be a number of articles on the
Annual Town Meeting warrant dealing with the train station. Mr. UAgostino
requested the Selectmen confirm their interest in moving forward with the 25
percent design phase. If not, the project will need to be abandoned.
Selectmen Comments:
Chairwoman Royle does not support 1,600 spaces. Parking and traffic from
development around the station must be taken into consideration. The project
should be phased to see how it will work.
Clerk Wills commented that tearing all the buildings down, as part of the project,
will create an eyesore.
Selectman Amoruso stated that he does not have a problem with the overall vision
of the project but that one problem he has is when Ron Morgan of the MBTA
stated that the "T" is no longer requiring Mansfield to have 1,600 spaces.
Selectman Amoruso is not sure that he wants to go forward with 800 more spaces,
( especially if Mansfield will be assessed by the MBTA based on the number of
spaces.
Selectman Robinson stated that he would not support the project with 1,600 spaces
and unless there is a second egress /access road.
Selectman McCarter commented when the project began he had reservations about
1,600 spots, and Rumford Avenue residents have concerns, which hopefully can be
addressed. Selectman McCarter also stated he feels it would be a mistake to
throw the project away.
Chairwoman Royle stated that she would like to continue with the project and that
there has to be concern regarding the day -to -day troffic flow of downtown. There
will be a massive area of cars. Chairwoman Royle also asked who would be paying for
the renovations.
Selectman Amoruso commented that he did not hear any opposition expressed by
the designers regarding reducing the number of parking spaces and that he would
like to see where the numbers make the renovations non - feasible.
Motion: To support proceeding to the 25 percent design stage and filing the
necessary ENF, with consideration being given to items discussed —
access and a reduction in the number of spaces.
(Amoruso- McCarter) (4 -1) Selectman Robinson opposed. Passes.
6. Weekly Business
A. Warrant No. 20
Motion: To approve.
(Robinson - Amoruso) All in favor. Chairwoman Royle abstained on all
Board of Health issues; Selectman McCarter abstained on the
Municipal Building Committee payroll; and Selectman Robinson
abstained on the School Department payroll. Passes.
B. Licenses and Permits
• Application of the Fire Department for a $1,754.40 Reserve Fund Transfer to
refurbish Fire Engine No. 1
Motion: To recommend approval of the Request to Transfer $1,7540.40 from
the Reserve Fund to the Finance Committee.
(McCarter - Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
• Proclamation in Opposition to the MBTA Assessment
Motion: To sign.
(Wills- Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
( Application of Mansfield Music and Arts Society for an Auctioneer's Special
Permit on Saturday, November 20, 1999, at 390 West Street and Request for a
Fee Waiver
Motion: So moved and to waive the fee.
(Robinson- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
• 2000 License Renewals
Alcohol Licenses
Common Victualler Full Alcohol
• Willowdale Golf Course, Lorraine Simonelli, Manager, 54 Willow Street
• Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. dba Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria, Eleanor Clancy,
Manager, 254 Chauncy Street
• J. E. P. J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland Street
Motion: To approve.
(Robinson - Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
Common Victualler Wine and Malt
• New England Sporstervice, Inc. , Robin Ann Pickette, Manager - at 885 South
Main Street
( Motion: To approve.
(McCarter- Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
Common Victualler
• Willowdale Golf Course Inc., 54 Willow Street
• Sweet N' Crafty, 34 South Street
• MoRiva Inc. dba D'Angelo, 260 Chauncy Street
• J. E. P. J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland Street
Motion: To approve.
(Robinson - Amoruso) All in favor. Passes.
Live Entertainment Weekday
J. E. P. J. Inc. dba Tahana Restaurant, 60 Oakland Street
Motion: To approve.
(McCarter- Robinson) All in favor. Passes.
Class II Dealers License
Fred's Car & Truck Sales, 631 East Street
Motion: To approve.
(Amoruso - McCarter) (4 -0 -1) Selectman Robinson abstained. Passes.
C. Correspondence
Action
State and Local Government
Letter from Warren A. McKay, Superintendent, Town of Foxborough Water and Sewer
Commissioners, requesting permission to connect a planned public safety facility at the
intersection of Mechanic and Neponset Avenue to the municipal sewer system.
Other
Resident
Letter from John Meli, 135 Winter Street, asking if a special vote could be taken by the
townspeople on the Great Waves project Mr. D'Agostino'v response to Mr. Meli is attached
to the letter.
Town Manager and Staff
Memorandum from Humane Officer Jeff Collins regarding Article 23 of the Special Town
Meeting warrant
Board and Committee
Memorandum from Matt Miller, Chairman, Animal Welfare Committee, in response to Mr.
Collins' memorandum
Memorandum from Matt Miller, Chairman, Animal Welfare Committee, suggesting an
amendment to the definition for Animal Welfare Committee" in Article 23 so that it will
conform with the definition in Article 22
State and Local Government
Notification from the Department of Revenue that Mansfield's "Free Cash" as of July 1,
1999 is $1,476,405
Letter from the Foxborough Board of Selectmen stating that their concern regarding the
impact the County Street access road would have on the abutting residential neighborhood
is still valid and that any opportunity to discuss mitigation of the impact would be
appreciated
*Letter from the Walpole Water and Sewer Commissioners regarding the Foxboro Stadium
sewer connection (Each of you has a copy.)
Letter from the Office of the Inspector General stating that Bea Kearney successfully
completed the Design and Construction Contracting certification seminar
Letter from State Representative Elizabeth Poirier with enclosed Community Preservation
Grant information
Town of Lakeville MBTA Assessment resolution
*Selectman Robinson stated that he would like to write a letter to the Walpole
Water and Sewer Commissioners telling them what agreat job they have done and
( that he is glad they decided to use the chain of command. Selectman Amoruso
commented that he would have no problem thanking them for their support, but
Chairwoman Royle commented that she cannot send them a letter and that they did
not want to deal with the grief, so they passed it onto Mansfield.
7. Town Manager's Report continued
• The Selectmen are in receipt a proposed fee waiver policy.
Motion: To adopt the fee waiver policy with the following amendments: add
"Mansfield" prior to "Public School Projects" and "but are not limited
to" after "which include" and before "Religious organizations, Town of
Mansfield... ".
(Amoruso- McCarter) All in favor. Passes.
8. Board of Selectmen Old & New Business
• Selectman Robinson stated that there was a problem on Route 106 this evening.
Some of the school busses could not get in or out today. There were long
delays, and Selectman Robinson was told that the portion of the street between
Hope Street and the Landfill would look as it presently does for the winter.
Town Engineer john Sullivan inspected this area and reports that the
contractor did meet his obligations for paving.
• Chairwoman Royle requested a list of all of the contractors and their respective
bid amounts for the Route 106 Canoe River Water and Sewer project.
• Selectman McCarter asked when the Selectmen would be making a decision
regarding distributing the Rodman Ride for Kids donation and asked when the
Selectmen would receive Woodard & Curran's Great Waves' drill monitoring
report.
• Clerk Wills stated that he would like to see a plan on how the second half of the
Walsh Wellfield will be repaired and that contractors bidding on the project
may be able to tell the Town how they would cross the river to make the repairs.
Mr. D'4gostino responded that if repairs need to be made in the future, the
bridge will be needed.
• Clerk Wills stated fog lines should be painted on Maple Street near the Water
Department.
Motion: That the Town Manager not hire any consultants for water, sewer,
roads, electric without the Board of Selectmen's prior review of the
scope, explanation, and cost.
(Wills - McCarter) (4 -1) Selectman McCarter stated although he is
opposed to this motion, he would still like to be informed. Passes.
Selectman Amoruso commented that the Light Commissioners should have known
sooner about he rate study for the Light Department and the $45,000 for
Woodard d Curran.
Motion: To continue the meeting until 11:15 PM.
(Robinson - Amoruso) All in favor. Posses.
• Selectman Robinson asked, since the Special Town Meeting was rescheduled to
December 6, if the Light Commissioners would like to meet on December 13.
The majority of the Board was in favor of meeting on December 13.
• Chairwoman Royle announced that DEP would be hosting an informational
meeting on the Compo Chemical site on Branch Street on Thursday, November
18, at 7pm, at the High School.
• Chairwoman Royle also announced that applicants are still needed for the Board
of Health, Board of Library Trustees, and Finance Committee.
• Chairwoman Royle announced that the Norton and Mansfield Tobacco Control
Programs will be joining forces and will hold a wellness program on November 18
on Copeland Drive. Alternative means to quit smoking will be explored.
9. Adjournment 11:15 PM
Motion: To adjourn.
l
All in favor. Passes.
Date of Approval